September Recap

Summer's gone and Fall has arrived! Instead of outlining this past month, I thought I would breifly describe our month through pictures (thanks to Abby for the idea).

Loving college football and the GEORGIA BULLDOGS, we were able to go here.....

With.....

On the 16th, we celebrated the birth of.....


With a trip to.....
And after a 2 hr rain delay and the game, we celebrated a win here.....

Also during September, I began working.....

It's part-time and I'm really enjoying it!

Looking forward to a wonderful (and busy) October!

End of Summer Wrap-up

Unfortunately, Summer is coming to an end! I've really enjoyed this summer, even though it's been a mild one (weather-wise). We've been busy with regional events, traveling, youth camp, seeing friends and family and girls jamboree. Also, our church began meeting on Sundays at a nearby hotel banquet room. Many exciting things are going on around here!

{where our church meets} {Shopping and Lunch in St. Charles}

In August, Matthew and I were able to get away for a few days to see some friends in St. Louis, MO. During the first part of the trip we stayed with Brittany and Jeff and were able to hang out, go to Brittany's baby shower for Macy, go to Twin Rivers and spend some time with their family. We had such a wonderful time!
During that same trip, Autumn and J.R. had to come to town for business, so we met up with them downtown STL and stayed at the Hyatt. It was incredible - we stayed right across from the Arch. We enjoyed some fine cuisine...Charlie Gitto's on The Hill, Ruth's Chris, and Chick-Fil-A!! Autumn and I had a lot of fun catching up and shopping. It was a trip to remember!

{Dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse}

Since we've lived in Omaha, Matthew and I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit and through those trips we are able to make the most of our time and even extend our trips by a few days to see friends along the way. Our perspective on "a long trip" has changed! Now, a 6 hour trip in the car is a breeze! I'm so thankful for our friends!

{Me and Autumn}

Just a week ago (last weekend), we had a regional girls jamboree - "The Princess in You" was the theme and the girls had a blast! They dressed up, made shirts, got their hair and nails done at the salon and we also had a few sessions with a guest speaker, Kari. I'm so glad she was able to come and we were able to get to know her - she did a great job!

As August comes to a close, I'm so thankful for the wonderful Summer we've had and I'm looking forward to fabulous fall!

Sweet Summertime!

Summer is certainly flying by! It seems like we just celebrated Memorial Day and now we're in the middle of JULY!


YUM!

Matthew and I have been fairly busy with summer events for our denomination. At the beginning of June, we had our regional camp meeting (actually two - English and Spanish) and were able to worship and fellowship with ministers, pastors, and members in IA/NE. It was wonderful to see eveyone and those who travelled to Nebraska to be our guests. On June 9, Matthew and I celebrated our second anniversary with a trip to Melting Pot (YUM!) and a movie. We had a wonderful anniversary. We were also able to go to a College World Series game - Game 2 (LSU/UVA). It was truly an experience!

As the month continued, we were preparing for summer camp (July) and for our trip to South Carolina. While there, we spent time with Matthew's family, as well as my family. We had a wonderful time and were able to celebrate Matthew passing his test for Ordained Bishop, the Church of God's highest rank of credentialed ministers. I am so proud of my husband! Our trip was truly refreshing and wonderful. It was great to see friends that we haven't seen in a while, too.

Me and Summer in SC

Once we got home, it was Youth Camp prep time! Our region had youth camp July 6-10 at a 4-H Camp in Iowa. We had a blast and I know the kids' lives were changed. Two of our friends. Scottie (senior camp) and Derrick (junior camp) from South Carolina, came to speak to the two camps we were holding and both did an incredible job connecting with our youth and bring the Word of God to them.

Midands Youth Camp 2009

Now, Matthew and I are recovering from youth camp (haha!) and enjoying the summer. We have a few more events for the summer that we're looking forward to! The weather in Nebraska during this season can vary - storms, tornadoes, hot, humid and even cool. I love the weather right now - it's been in the low to mid 80's with little to no humidity! I don't want SUMMER to end!

Our Second Anniversary

Handle With Care

About a month ago I noticed that my engagement ring had a rough place on one of its prongs. My ring has a setting with several prongs grouped together, which was part of its appeal to me. I felt that my diamond would always be safe and protected. I was more careful with my ring, and even talked to Matthew about taking it to a jewelry store. I took it to a goldsmith about a week later. He was trying to fix the prong that had been bent. During this process, the entire “head” (prongs and diamond) popped off. He was shocked, I was shocked and Matthew was definitely shocked. After I made a few calls, I found that there was a store in Omaha that was owned by the store where Matthew bought my ring. Thankful for this new information (I had called the store in TN to ask if they had a store near us, they said, “no”) I took the ring to the store – right away! They were very helpful and were quick to action. Although I didn’t want to leave my ring there, I knew that it needed to be fixed and because of this, I could be without it for a few days. Until it was fixed, I continually looked down at my hand and even though I was wearing my wedding band, it just didn’t feel right.

As our second wedding anniversary approaches (June 9), I am reminded of that sacred covenant we made with one another. Through this process with my ring, I have become more aware of the symbolism it holds. I want to protect my marriage so it will be strong and stand the test of time. I am so thankful for the gift that God brought into my life when he allowed my path to cross Matthew’s.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MATTHEW! I LOVE YOU!

Bloom Where You're Planted

It seems like everywhere I turn, I see flowers blooming. Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and local nurseries seem to be selling flowers and potting soil and having sales to promote them. It’s spring and along with the season comes new growth. The first time I heard the phrase, “Bloom where you’re planted” was from my stepmother, Susan. This was the theme for her Ladies Brunch on Mother’s Day. Since then, I’ve heard it again – at our regional women’s conference and retreat, which was a couple weekends ago. It stirred me the first time I heard it, but it’s been on my mind again since hearing it again.

More than ever, I want to bloom where I’m planted. I want to thrive and grow because I know there is a place for each of us to do what The Lord has called us to do. Are you blooming where He’s planted you?

Hats off to MOM

Growing up, my mom was "Mrs. Church Event Organizer Extraordinaire" and I recall one mother/daughter banquet in particular where everyone wore hats and the theme was "Hats Off To Mom". She was always thinking up catchy themes with exciting decorations. Everyone in attendance was to sport a hat. She always told me, "You can decorate any room (cheap) with balloons." I used that tidbit in some of my shower decorating and they do brighten a room.

I guess I'm posting this to honor all the women in my life who have impacted me; whether they realized it or not. I have so many incredible women in my life who continue to teach me about life, marriage, love and happiness. I am thankful for a wonderful mother who left a wonderful legacy for me. She also loved me even when I was being a brat and taught me how to be a lady and preacher's wife without even knowing that I was learning those things. Susan, my stepmother, has become such a wonderful confidant in my life and someone I love dearly. The Lord brought an incredible Mother-in-law (love) into my life and she has treated me as one of her own. My aunts, cousins, grandmothers, and my sister-in-law also set the right example for me, while loving and supporting me. I can't even begin to name the additional women (one by one) who have impacted me, but I strive to never let an opportunity to thank them and tell them what they mean to me pass by.

Happy Mother's Day!

The past few months.....

So, I’ve been asked to update my blog because it’s been a while since I’ve written anything. This is for you, Em!

I think (fingers crossed) that Spring has sprung in Omaha! We’ve waited for it to arrive and are so glad it’s finally here. It’s exciting to experience seasons for the first time in a new place. I’m even thinking of planting some flowers this weekend. I’ve already asked my dad which plants would be considered low-maintenance and easy to grow in pots or hanging plants (I didn’t inherit his green thumb).

Matthew and I have been doing more of the same since my last post. He’s been preaching and we’ve been traveling. He had been studying for his Ordained Bishop’s test and I can proudly report that he PASSED!

Here’s a brief summary of the past few months:

Winterfest in Knoxville, TN

This was our third Winterfest event of the season. We stayed with my aunt and uncle and see several family members (including dad, Susan, Josh and Shannon, aunts, uncles and grandparents). Autumn and JR were even able to come to Knoxville for a short visit.


Staying with Friends along the way (to TN and home)

We have wonderful friends who let us crash at their house when we're driving through! We stayed in IL with Jenn and Chad on the way to TN. On the way back to NE, we got to be the first houseguests of Brittany and Jeff!

Easter in Nebraska

We had a wonderful day with great friends!

Several Trips with our Student Leadership Group, Driven

Driven is a great group of teens/young adults that we are honored to ministered with at churches in our region.

75th Anniversary of Celebration COG (my Dad’s church)

We were so happy to be able to celebrate with the church family. The church started in a borrowed cabin and is still thriving today. Matthew and I were able to spend a few extra days with Dad and Susan. We had a blast eating Homestead Creamery, going to the lake, grilling out and eating on the porch for all of our meals (thank you, 90 degree weather in APRIL!). Matthew was even put to work – he and Dad helped a family move!



There were probably more events that I'm forgetting!

Currently, we’re gearing up for a number of state/regional events. It’s going to be a busy summer! We are looking forward to our first youth camp in the Midlands Region.

He's Hooked!

While we were in Branson, Matthew tried sushi for the first time. One of our friends, Shea, is a huge fan of sushi and had Matthew try what he ordered. After we got home from Winterfest, he began to research sushi and places in Omaha that had sushi. We found a place (Hiro)on the west side of the city (where we live) that looked pretty good. We tried it out on Saturday and it was WONDERFUL! I'm not as brave as my husband, but I enjoyed myself. Now he wants it all the time~Thanks, Shea!

On the road again...

Although January was a pretty quiet month, February seemed to be just the opposite - and there are few more days left in the month! I haven't really blogged much because there wasn't too much going on in January and the past few weeks have been busy and filled with time on the road. Time on the road leads to catching up (laundry, cleaning, office work, etc.) and I haven't been in the mood to blog.

We have been able to see some parts of the U.S. that we hadn't seen before. We took a short trip to Branson, MO in December (it was soooo cold!), but we hadn't ventured to Rapid City, South Dakota until February 12. We made a few stops along the way and enjoyed seeing The Corn Palace and Wall Drug. The reason for our trip to SD was Wild West Winterfest. Unfortunately, Matthew got sick on Thursday night and wasn't able to leave the room until Saturday. Because of this, we weren't able to see Mount Rushmore (only 25 minutes away from Rapid City). Hopefully, we'll be able to make the trip again next year and see more sights in and around the city.

Winterfest was a great event and we really enjoyed being with Daneen and David. We also got to meet a lot of new faces and catch up with some people (Lorinda and Landon) I knew during my time in Cleveland. One of our highlights was eating at Chick-fil-a in Sioux City, IA! We were proud of one of the youth groups from our region. They were asked to present one human video in each service and they represented us well!

This past weekend, we went to Branson, MO for Ozark Winterfest. We had a great weekend and were able to see some of our friends. On the way down, we stopped in Kansas City, MO for another Chick-fil-a stop and it was free standing. According to one of my friends, the free standing stores are the 'real ones', so I guess we had the 'real thing!' Although Branson's busy season isn't this time of year, there was plenty do in our free time. Between the outlets, Branson Landing, and Lambert's, we truly enjoyed ourselves. Also, Matthew tried sushi and I think he's hooked! On Saturday, we went to Lambert's (Home of the Throwed rolls) with Jenn, Chad and Darren. It's truly an experience! I am glad that we had a few groups from the region that were able to attend Ozark Winterfest. They seemed to have a great time!

Both of the Winterfests we were involved in were great events and I hope that what the kids experienced through the event will just be the beginning of what the Lord has in store for their lives.

American Idol

Although I haven't been following American Idol very much the past two seasons, I found a great reason for me to start following it a little more closely. One of my childhood friends is a contestant on the show and will audition on tonight's audition in Louisville (1/21/09).

Her name is Felicia (Hocker) Barton. I was doing a little research online and she and her husband are so incredibly talented! I can remember the days of youth camp and camp meeting in Virginia when she'd sing or lead praise and worship. God has definetly blessed her with a wonderful gift.

Here's her website, which contains a video of a performance from last year: http://www.feliciabarton.org/. Check it out!!

3180

Three thousand, one hundred eighty – that’s the mileage of our latest trip! We started prior to Christmas and got home January 4. We left from Omaha (trying our best to beat an ice storm) and drove to MO. Thankfully, we had a wonderful place to stay with family friends! The next day, we drove to Lenior City, TN where my mom’s extended family gets together prior to Christmas. This is the only time when I’m usually able to be with all of the family. We had a wonderful time, but we missed a few family members who couldn't be there.

The next day, we drove to Virginia to be with my dad and stepmom for our “Christmas Celebration.” My brother, Josh and his wife, Shannon were also there. We had a wonderful time! We played games, went to church, crammed in Susan’s car to look at Christmas lights, ate, stayed up late, went to the movies and just had fun together! Shannon and I also worked as Susan’s “elves” – we shopped, wrapped and boxed. We opened gifts on Christmas Eve (AM), ate breakfast at Famous Anthony’s (a family favorite) and then we all left in different directions headed to our next destinations.

We spent the next few days with Matthew’s family in South Carolina. We spent Christmas Eve (PM) opening gifts and eating some incredible home-cooking! The mac-n-cheese truly hit the spot. My in-laws always make the best meals and we just enjoyed being with family and not having much on the agenda. I really enjoyed all the “snacking” (sweets, coffee, etc.) we did while we were there. Matthew was glued to the History Channel (Band of Brothers) and Fox News. We were able to see friends and get our ChickFilA fix since we don’t have it in Omaha. We truly loved living in SC and miss living so close to our family!

After leaving SC, we went to spend a few days in Tennessee with Autumn and JR. They are just like family and always open their home and are wonderful hosts. We had a blast! We were also able to visit more with Josh and Shannon in Cleveland. We ate more ChickFilA and even got some Jenkins! New Year’s Eve/Day was spent with friends and family. Matthew was especially glad the Georgia Bulldogs won.

On the way back to NE, we stopped (again) in MO and then drove the next day to Iowa where Matthew was scheduled to preach. The weather was bad (foggy and ice) and church was cancelled, so we drove home. We were so glad to be home!

I can honestly say that this year takes the award for the Best Holidays! We don’t take time with family for granted and we were so excited to be able to see the majority of our family. As Matthew and I drove (well, actually he drove the entire time – I’m so blessed!!) back to Nebraska, we reminisced on the wonderful Christmas Celebrations we had. We are so blessed to have wonderful families that love and support us.

We are thankful for all of the Lord’s blessings in 2008 and are excited about 2009! Happy New Year!

Highlights of Christmas 2009

Family – TN, VA, SC
Friends – TN, MO, VA, SC
Georgia Bulldogs victory
Neti Pot – somewhere between VA and SC I got sick and it was a life saver!
JR’s Ribs – amazing New Year’s Day meal; they should open a family restaurant
Wonderful Memories!!!!!!